The Recovery Stage

This Stage of ES is comprised of the effects of the first three steps of AA. The first year for some of us is a rest period in which we restore our emotional equilibrium and come back to our old selves. In effect a recovery of what we had squandered.

The Intermediate Stage

This Stage addresses an investigation into what went wrong in the past by taking the 4th and 5th Steps to get us back on a constructive path and start us on the habit of becoming self-aware.

The Transition Stage

This Stage addresses those things that we do which need to be examined and reordered if we are to change. In effect where we are transformed from reacting to life in a knee-jerk, automatic or learned fashion to responding to events and people in a responsible proactive and natural manner. This is brought about by “assuming the responsibility of our own existence” and as a consequence of this new outlook, “developing an attitude of reconciliation toward our fellowman.” In effect we are freeing ourselves of unwanted clutter.

The Contemplative Stage

This stage of emotional growth will free us from making the bad decisions that were so common in the past. By reflecting, we make better decisions about our lives. and more importantly, about those new explorations we are now free to make. Step 10 stands alone, in it's unique role to a healthier life.

The Responsive Stage

Great decisions without actions, are as empty, as not making decisions. The new person we have become needs to respond, to the new challenges that come calling. Without the courage to assume the responsibilities of our new found sobriety, we are doomed to unnecessarily recycle ourselves through the very Steps that have brought us to this readiness in the first place.

Steps 11 and 12 are the most difficult- and of course, the most rewarding. This is where we feel present to everyday life. We are not moved by happiness or achievement, as much as by a feeling of involvement- of being present to each event.